DK Travel : Toronto

Torontonians are justifiably proud of their vibrant and exciting metropolis. Canada’s largest city and its financial hub, Toronto has a tremendous amount to offer, including a thriving theater, music, and arts scene, top museums, world-class restaurants and shops, a beautiful lakeside location with lovely beaches, and streets safe and inviting to walk in. Its cultural diversity – over 90 ethnic groups are represented in Toronto – enhances the urban experience.

Air Canada Centre

When hockey’s Maple Leafs and basketball’s Raptors are not filling the seats with Toronto fans, the arena hosts big-name musical acts (see Air Canada Centre).
Air Canada Centre

Home to basketball’s Raptors and hockey’s Maple Leafs, the arena is in the old Toronto Postal Delivery Building. Carvings on the façade depict the history of communications.
Airport Lounge

Blood-red walls, red lighting, and designer furniture make this one stylish place. Lounge here all you want with drink in hand – but be sure to sample the wonderful sushi.
Albert’s Inn

Four cozy rooms in a Victorian house decorated to the nines with all things British, from antiques to bric-a-brac, offer an unforgettably eccentric stay in Cabbage-town. Alfred Pimblett, the owner, amuses guests with take-offs on the Queen of England.
Alex Farms

A cheese lover’s paradise, in South Market, selling every kind of cheese imaginable, from French cantal to the most pungent of blues. Good raw-milk cheese selection.
Allan Gardens

This large park embodies the contradictions of the downtown-eastside: It is both grand and gritty. Best explored during the day, the gardens, which first opened in 1860, contain a delightful glass-and-metal conservatory complex consisting of six greenhouses, each with a different climate zone, built in 1910. Inside, the exuberant displays of seasonal and permanent greenery and flowers delight the senses.
An Art Walk

Morning

Start at Commerce Court North (see Commerce Court North) to admire the stunning lobby. Walk west to Bay St and the TD Centre, noting the Wall and Chairs sculpture in the plaza (see Wall and Chairs) and Joe Fafard’s life-sized bronze cows lounging on the lawn behind 77 King St W.

Just around the corner at 234 Bay St is the Design Exchange (see Design Exchange). Explore it for an hour before enjoying a pan-Asian lunch at Kubo DX, on the first floor.

Afternoon

Zigzag your way to Simcoe Park, on Front St west of Wellington, and the luminous Anish Kapoor sculpture. A monument beside it honors city founders. Continue west along Front, past the CBC at No. 250, noting the Glenn Gould sculpture, in memory of the eccentric pianist. You’ll soon come to Sky-Dome, and The Audience, Michael Snow’s larger-than-life fans (see The Audience).

Turn left on Spadina Ave; crossing the bridge, look to your left to see Eldon Garnet’s memorial commemorating Chinese laborers who helped build Canada’s railroad. It’s five minutes to the lake and, just west on Queens Quay, Toronto Music Garden, in bloom spring to fall. Wander this oasis for an hour, then walk 15 minutes east to York Quay Centre to watch artisans at work and stroll the Photo Passage.

End the day with a steak dinner at Harbour Sixty (60 Harbour St), in the opulent former Harbour Commission building.
Annex Quest House

With its dark pine furnishings, natural decor, vibrant colors, and tastefully appointed guest rooms dedicated to one of the four elements – earth, fire, air, and water – travelers will enjoy the calming atmosphere of this retreat from the city. Located near Casa Loma.
Antiques

Hunting for vintage Canadian furniture, toys, silver, and china in the towns of Ontario is great sport. For a large choice of shops, head to Jordan, St. Jacobs, Erin, Neustadt, and Elora.
Applause

Audiophiles lust after the high-end components sold here. Owner and sound-guru Rob will also give you a square deal on the used equipment.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–150
- $150–200
- $200–300
- over $300